How to calculate your personal inflation

The results of inflation polls on this website and the sheer weight of comments suggest millions of people do not believe official rates of inflation.

At best, these readers argue that even if the consumer price index (CPI) is correct, it does not reflect their own situation.

Official inflation figures are crucial as both public and private employers use them as a benchmark for wage rises. State pensions and other benefits are tied directly to inflation rates, albeit the previously prefered measure - the retail prices index (RPI).

The Office of National Statistics runs an official personal inflation calculator.It is free, easy to use and aims to give individuals 'an indication of how inflation is affected by what they spend their money on'. Those using it are asked to enter various figures, such as monthly expenditure on food, childcare, petrol and heating bills.